Bar Harbor Beer Works — Restaurant in Bar Harbor

Wednesday- 9/21/22

WOW!! This about sums it up- everything deserves a WOW!!!!!!

We were visiting the area and initially the plan was to eat at another popular restaurant. However, my Yorkie poo needed to be with us. DOGS ALLOWED! That was our first WOW!

We were greeted and sat by the super awesome Jamaican hostess. With her gorgeous smile and charismatic charm, she sat us.

Our second WOW came with our Serbian server. Polite and attentive, he expedited getting our order going immediately. Drinks came fast. As did the delicious pretzel app. Our meals were on point- good comfort American food. And- he went and got my doggie a dog bowl for her water. WOW WOW WOW! At one point, my NY Bronx friend asked for something and it wasn’t available- his hot temper was ready to snap. But, the sweet server politely offered another option. Then, I presume it was the manager, came running over after overhearing the situation. He kindly suggested an alternative!!!! Come on!! We are from CT and NY! This was like stepping into the Twilight Zone. All I can say is WOW!!!! Take me back to this place over and over with service like this!!

I’m writing a book because they deserve the kudos!! Onto our third WOW! I love to discover and learn about cultures. Having a friend from Macedonia, I knew thank you and yes in his language. He kindly let me ask my bazillion questions as he tried to clean up plates and refresh waters. Also, use my two words the entire meal. This guy was top notch allowing me to be me while my friends were thinking, can you shut up already!!! HaHa!!

Yes- there’s another WOW OR TWO!!

We were preparing for dessert and the restaurant was full in the outdoor seating area. Out of nowhere our server runs over and says, yes??? He thought we called him but we didn’t. Let’s count the number of times anyone sprints over because they thought we called their name. NEVER!!

The homemade blueberry pie completed the delicious meal for the evening. With smiles on our faces and joy in our bellies, we finally left. The finally WOW came when I was being me yet again and dancing to their music in sheer happiness from the experience. The excellent help and again the divine hostess waved goodbye to us. We SHALL BE BACK!!!

Thank you for giving us an experience to not be forgotten!! Maybe the restaurant should be renamed, THE WOW EXPERIENCE- from Beer to Bliss!

Delightfully, Annie...

Server was very accommodating and helpful. Ordered locally brewed beers which were very good and unique. The bill came and it was a little high and that’s understandable as Bar Harbor is a seasonal tourist town. However I was charged $4 for a seltzer / soda water and $4 for a refill. $8 for two glasses of water at a beer bar. I agree there charge for the first serving of a soda water but banging the customer double for a second glass of water? I asked the server about it stating that in the Michelin restaurant that we work in the NYC area this nonsense doesn’t happen. She said that’s the way it gets rung up and offered to bring it to the manager who was standing 20 feet from our table. I took her up on it saying it’s not the money as much as the principle. She indeed went to the boss. She came back and related the manager’s opinion that all the places in Bar Harbor charge the same way and well .. too bad. I looked over and the manager was nowhere to be found.

Sad commentary that the manager not only failed to come over to the table but got actually got lost.

BTW we were at the Thirsty Whale just the day before and if were rightfully charged for a soda water it was only for the first one, not refills. And at Bar Harbor Lobster Bake it was $3 for soda, club soda etc but they didn’t hit us on a refill. So not sure it’s rally an area wide practice.

So if you happen to go to BHBW plan on $10 beers and $4 bubble water.

By the way the server was tipped 20% in cash since she doesn’t create policy, made the effort in addressing her boss and was...

I don’t think I have ever had regret about eating at a restaurant, until here. Seemingly our experience isn’t unique which is extremely upsetting. We get to the hostess stand as the hostess is coming back. So we’re watching her write something down and we give her a moment. And another. And then I said “Hi” and she gave me the craziest side eye I’ve ever seen in my life. So then at that point I’m going for it, “Hi, can we have a table for 2?” And she looks down, says nothing, grabs menus and asks, “do you want to sit on the deck or down here.” DEADPAN. Like we aren’t real! Being from Massachusetts I’m used to seeing rude folks, I’m rude sometimes too! But this was crazy! She eventually walks us upstairs and throws the menus down and she scatters off. That set the ENTIRE mood for the dinner.

Our waiter was great, got our food out quick and was a kind person to chat with. The atmosphere was nothing to write home about.

The buffalo cauliflower appetizer was not great definitely regret getting that, the buffalo sauce was just so sour and tangy it wasn’t enjoyable, we did order the spicy one so maybe that was it? Idk just wouldn’t order again. My boyfriend got the cowboy burger, nothing spectacular but it was good. I got the shrimp Po’ Boy and boy oh boy that was soooo good. Genuinely is so delicious I highly recommend (if you decide to take the chance on this place). Also waffle fries are an extra 5 bucks and they aren’t great so just pass and get the chips. Our bill hit about $100 including tip and I can’t justify that price at all. Proceed...